Maria Friedman backstage at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo: David Levene)

Julian Clary and Paul O'Grady at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo: David Levene)

John Tiffany and John Boyega backstage at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo David Levene)

Denise Gough and Andrew Garfield at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo: David Levene)

Billie Piper at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo: David Levene)

The creative team of Rotterdam backstage at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo David Levene)

Creatives from Rotterdam at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo David Levene)

Nathan Lane backstage at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo David Levene)

Noma Dumezweni and Anthony Boyle at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo David Levene)

Jack Thorne backstage at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo: David Levene)

Billie Piper at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo: David Levene)

Jamie Parker at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo: David Levene)

Andrew Lloyd Webber and the cast of School of Rock at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo David Levene)

Phoebe Fox backstage at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo David Levene)

Tim Minchin at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo: David Levene)

Amber Riley at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo David Levene)

Audra McDonald at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo: David Levene)

Kenneth Branagh backstage at the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard (Photo: David Levene)

Gallery: Backstage at the Olivier Awards

Published 18 April 2017

Wow – weren’t the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard extraordinary? A night of spleandour, spectacular performances and superb prize-giving made for one almighty occasion in the awards’ Royal Albert Hall debut, and while London’s Theatreland moves on full steam ahead, the memories of the night are sure to live long in the collective guests’ memories.

But while the drama on stage proved more than enough to savour, it’s only half the story, as behind the scenes a hive of activity buzzed throughout. From early morning preparations in rehearsals to the must-have selfies with the iconic statuette, and the last-minute touch-ups in the dressing rooms to the elation beaming on the faces of the winners, the brilliant David Levene caught some of the best of the Olivier Awards backstage action throughout the ceremony.

Take a look at some of the best snaps above, and remember, if you’ve not yet caught the ceremony or wish to relive the incredible night, you can view it on ITV Hub or (ex-UK) Facebook.